RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Wendell Phillips () - 1988 NFL Draft Pick #324 by SDG

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis: Wendell Phillips

Position: Offensive Tackle

College: University of California, Berkeley

Overview

Wendell Phillips was a standout offensive tackle coming out of the University of California, Berkeley, in the 1988 NFL Draft. Known for his impressive size and athleticism, Phillips drew attention from scouts looking for a solid addition to their offensive lines.

Strengths

  • Size & Strength: At 6'6" and 310 pounds, Phillips possesses the ideal size for an NFL offensive tackle. His strength allows him to hold his ground against powerful defensive linemen.
  • Footwork: He demonstrated excellent footwork in college, enabling him to maneuver effectively in both pass protection and run blocking scenarios.
  • Durability: Throughout his college career, Phillips showed remarkable durability, starting in multiple games and rarely missing time due to injury.
  • Technique: Phillips was praised for his technical skills, particularly in hand placement and body positioning, which were refined under the guidance of a strong coaching staff.

Weaknesses

  • Consistency: While he had flashes of brilliance, there were games where Phillips struggled with consistency, particularly against elite opponents.
  • Adjustment to NFL Speed: Transitioning to the faster pace of the NFL may present challenges as he adapts to quicker defensive ends.

Pro Potential

Many analysts projected Wendell Phillips as a solid second or third-round pick in the 1988 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and technique made him a desirable candidate for teams looking to bolster their offensive line. With proper coaching at the professional level, there was optimism that he could develop into a reliable starter.

Conclusion

Wendell Phillips was viewed as a promising offensive tackle with the potential to make an impact in the NFL. Teams that prioritized offensive line depth would certainly keep a close eye on him during the draft.